Authentic Filipino Lechon Manok-Style Marinade Recipe | Roast Chicken Marinade
Filipino Lechon Manok-Style Marinade is a fragrant blend of citrus, garlic, lemongrass, soy sauce, herbs, and spices used to create the famous Filipino-style roasted chicken. Inspired by the country's popular rotisserie chicken, this marinade infuses the meat with savory, slightly sweet, garlicky, and citrusy flavors while keeping it incredibly juicy and tender. Traditionally, the chicken is stuffed with lemongrass and slow-roasted over charcoal, producing crispy golden skin and flavorful meat. This homemade marinade is perfect for roasting, grilling, or air frying whole chicken for family dinners, celebrations, and weekend gatherings.
Cooking Method
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, calamansi juice, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, black pepper, paprika, salt, and vegetable oil.
- Rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken, including under the skin whenever possible.
- Stuff the cavity with the lemongrass, green onions, ginger, and bay leaves.
- Cover and refrigerate for 8–24 hours, turning the chicken occasionally for even marination.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices.
- For extra crispy skin, broil for the final 3–5 minutes if desired.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve with steamed rice, dipping sauce, and calamansi wedges.
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